Their statements were made through a two-way video link, with Ralph addressing the panel from a room at Liverpool crown court.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Makin said the army base suggestion was a way to ensure the safety of both the public and Venables, who was recalled to prison in 2010 after admitting downloading and distributing indecent images of children.

He said: "The best we can think of, if the parole board decides he has been rehabilitated, is for him to effectively be subject to some form of house arrest, possibly on a secure government facility such as an army base."

Mr Makin described Venables's release in 2001 as a 'liberal experiment' which had failed, and said Mr Bulger and his family had been let down by the criminal justice system.

He added: "There is no real support for Ralph and his family."

Meanwhile, Denise called for claims about Venables, including reports he had a relationship with a worker at a secure children's home where he was held during his original sentence, to be looked at.

The 45-year-old added: "It has been very difficult for me to come here today, but it is my choice and I have always said if there was a fight there to do for James, I would do it."

Ralph said: "I just hope they properly look in to it and keep him in. I think they'd be stupid if they let him out."

It is not known when the board, which sat at an undisclosed location, will make its decision.